WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The U.S. House passed a bill to protect kids online, but it could put children’s private information at risk.
17-year-old Mali Walters echoes what millions of American teenagers believe – social media is dangerous for kids.
“I’ve been on the internet since I was like five. I’ve seen a lot of stuff that’s like really harmful,” Walters said.
The U.S. government has spent years trying to address the problem of online safety. Now, the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, or ‘KIDS Act,’ is one step closer to becoming law.
“I think it’s a good idea. I think I’m responsible enough to know what to do on social media, but there’s a lot of kids who don’t know what to do,” Walters said.
The KIDS Act has faced an uphill battle. Some people are voicing concerns about ID verification requirements that they say would put privacy at risk.
The act would require social media platforms to put guidelines in place when they know a minor is using their platform.
“The platforms cannot do anything to increase anxiety, promote suicide,” said Bill Ramsey with Market Advisory Group.
How would social media platforms know that minors are seeing their content? For some platforms, it could require ID verification. This would affect Walters.
“That’s not too safe,” Walters said. “But the idea is there. There could be a better approach maybe.”
Ramsey said that in the event a website gets hacked, this could put children’s privacy and personal details at risk.
“You’re subject to that website’s security protocols. And if they get breached, you get breached,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey added that U.S. lawmakers are close to finding the right solution, but he doesn’t believe that ID verification is the right way to go.
“Technology is here. It’s not going anywhere. It’s going to get more ramped up as we go along,” Ramsey said. “They’re looking at things one way and they’re fighting the technology, instead of finding ways to work with it and adapt.”
The bill is headed to the U.S. Senate.
12 News reached out to Senator Roger Marshall and Senator Jerry Moran to ask how they will vote. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, they have not responded.
Related Content:
Copyright 2026 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com
